Mike's 50

[Scott2]

Originally Posted by MIKESAD50

Scott the number from Summit was Der-15850.
I've just started driving and using data from TCM it is showing temps in the 200-215 or so range so far. I haven't been in high heat but slower traffic in the 80's. I also have not mounted the right side running board so could be getting extra air.
I plan on talking to my transmission guy about temps, the GM program shows red in the 240* range

Mike - how's the temp now that you've got some more miles on the truck?

[MIKESAD50]

Scott2
It still runs up to 190-200ish depending on how I drive and also most of the driving I do is stop and go commute traffic.
I figure it would be the same aprox. as coolant temp if run thru the radiator cooler since coolant temp runs in the 200-205 range while in traffic.

Not sure if I will move it yet or not. I think if I wrap the exhaust that might help some also.

over 1325 miles and only issue so far was running out of gas once, and also had a failure of throttle system yesterday and had no pedal response, cleared throttle position sensor code and running fine again so far.
Settling on the right alittle more than right side so I will swap shocks left to right

[Scott2]

Originally Posted by MIKESAD50

Scott2
It still runs up to 190-200ish depending on how I drive and also most of the driving I do is stop and go commute traffic.
I figure it would be the same aprox. as coolant temp if run thru the radiator cooler since coolant temp runs in the 200-205 range while in traffic.

Not sure if I will move it yet or not. I think if I wrap the exhaust that might help some also.

over 1325 miles and only issue so far was running out of gas once, and also had a failure of throttle system yesterday and had no pedal response, cleared throttle position sensor code and running fine again so far.
Settling on the right alittle more than right side so I will swap shocks left to right

I think I'm about 4 months out in getting my truck running so I will be going through many of the same issues I'm sure!

Regarding the trans cooler - I had good conversations with both my trans builder (mine is a stock rebuilt 4l80e behind a stock 6.0 LS-based truck motor) and the technical guys at Derale. The trans guy strongly recommended I use an external cooler and also run through the radiator. He suggested a cooler rated at 20k GVWR or larger. The Derale specs are not consistent and some specify BTUs and others GVWR - hence the call.

Their tech weenie there said he would consider the 15850 cooler pretty marginal for our applications as it is basically a 6 pass cooler with big, fat 1/2" lines. Given that these transmissions can apparently develop pretty high line pressure the oil moves through the big lines pretty quickly and doesn't cool much.

Instead, he suggested a stacked plate cooler (p/n 13960) where the oil moves through the plates vs just the lines and therefore has far more cooling capacity due to significantly greater surface area. It's the same general size and can also be mounted flat against a floor or frame rail (assuming it fits). I'm giving one of those a try and should have it tomorrow.

[MIKESAD50]

Wow, Been a while since I have posted anything.

I have been driving it except in the rain. Just got some blades for the arms I had that came with truck. I need to wire the wiper motor. I have 2350 miles on it and most have been problem free and minor at that.
I haven't really done much in those miles as far as repairs. I raised it about 3/4" all around. still need to get the JRI Shock rebuilt. I will be needing new rubber on the rear, no later than the 3,000 mile mark. Still have't made a good burn out video, yet.
It drives well and handles well, needs a brake bias adjustment, still needs a ECM dyno tune and a Interior. Been a BLAST to drive!

I will post up a picture and maybe that video soon.

[MIKESAD50]

Scott, Thanks. I did not run cooler thru radiator.
I haven't changed brake pedal. I don't feel it is to high, not enough clearance between gas and brake pedal. I was planning on moving pedal pad over to the left for clearance.

[MIKESAD50]

Haven't post in a little bit.
I have been driving the truck and for the most part problem free so far.
I got 750 miles on it, still knocking things off the list. Have a lot to do still.
Took it to a local free show Saturday. didn't really take many pictures.
It was HOT! alot left early and I heard alot didnt even come because of the heat.

[focusedontheprize]

Hell yeah Mike. Congrats.

[oldman3]

Driving them is what it's all about...Jim

[solidaxel]

Is the truck everything you expected?
What would you do differently?

[MIKESAD50]

Not sure I would change anything about the truck, had no idea what to expect from the build, so happy for now, but like all these builds are they ever done?

I wish I would have completed the interior and bed before driving, now I don't want to take it off the road to work on it.

[solidaxel]

The last time I did that it took me 17 years to take it apart and paint it !

[MIKESAD50]

Well needed to get some new rubber for the rear. got 2600 miles out of the them. forgot to get a picture of the new Michelin's. had to make another 25 mile round trip back to tire shop after noticing they mounted them inside out.

Looks like week after next I will be dropping of the truck to get interior upholstery done

[MIKESAD50]

picture

[ptc]

Originally Posted by MIKESAD50

picture

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Looks like a perfect candidate for LONG SMOKEY BURNOUT!!!!!

[MIKESAD50]

PTC, that is what got them to that point. lots of laughs and smiles along with the smoke.

[MIKESAD50]

DsRaven
I could have gotten a few more hundred feet of Smoke out of them but got a puncture in one and had to plug it.

[dsraven]

both leather pics look good. personally I would pic black on black because I plan to drive mine everyday and would worry that the light thread color would get dirty quicker. thats just me though. the light thread does pop.

[tinydb84]

Those seats look good! Awesome to see it running so well.

[MIKESAD50]

updates of interior progress

[iowaboynca]

coming along nicely!

[MIKESAD50]

Thanks.
Looking forward to getting it back.

[MIKESAD50]

Got the truck back today. I like it!

[MIKESAD50]

Couple more.
I hate that it rotates the pictures in wrong orientation.

[Advanced Design]

The interior is looking good!

[mongocanfly]

its looking great...coming along nicely...